Featherstone Rovers 46 Halifax 16: Inspired Briggs puts Rovers into Grand Final

TABLE-toppers Featherstone reached the Co-operative Championship Grand Final on September 26 by avenging last season's play-off defeat against Halifax.

Kyle Briggs scored three tries and kicked seven goals in Featherstone's third win this season over Halifax, who have a second chance to make the final when they host Barrow Raiders or Sheffield Eagles in next Thursday's final eliminator at The Shay.

Halifax went ahead in the seventh minute when Sean Penkywicz plunged over from acting half from close range but Featherstone roared back with three tries in eight minutes.

Halifax's Michael Ostick was punished for losing possession when Ben Kaye sent Stuart Dickens charging over before Ian Hardman's pass was deflected off a Halifax player into the hands of Liam Welham who scored at the corner.

Tommy Saxton then grabbed an individual try to put Rovers 16-6 up but Halifax cut the gap when Luke Branighan and Graham Holroyd sent in Shad Royston and Lee Paterson landed his second goal.

Rovers substitute Dane Manning made a quick impact after replacing the injured Welham when he collected a 34th-minute try.

Halifax replied when Rob Worrincy crossed at the corner but Featherstone increased their lead shortly before half-time with a solo effort from Briggs who kicked his fourth goal.

With Ben Black in lively form, Halifax made most of the running early in the second-half but their finishing let them down. Zak Hardaker made two excellent midfield breaks to relieve the pressure as Rovers survived an sustained onslaught.

Halifax then had a let off when Briggs fumbled Saxton's pass with the try line wide open.

But Featherstone struck a vital blow when Finn dummied his way through for a try before Briggs completed his hat-trick.

Featherstone Rovers: Hardman; Hardaker, Smeaton, Welham, Saxton; Briggs, Finn; Tonks, Kaye, Dickens, Field, Spears, Dale. Substitutes: Divorty, Manning, Grayshon, Kain.

Halifax: Royston; Paterson, Bannister, Nash, Worrincy; Branighan, Holroyd; Watene, Penkywicz, Ostick, Larder, Wrench, Barlow. Substitutes: Black, Aizue, Tamghart, Maloney.

Referee: R Hicks (Oldham).

SHEFFIELD EAGLES head to Barrow Raiders tonight in their elimination semi-final confident of knocking out the defending champions.

Coach Mark Aston has already seen his gallant players stun Leigh. "We've run into form in recent weeks and have won six of the last seven away games, so we're not worried," he said.

Misi Taulapapa is missing after breaking his ankle last week while Richie Barnett (foot) is also struggling.

Fixtures

Engage Super League Qualifying Semi-final: St Helens v Warrington (8.00).

Co-operative Championship Play-offs: Barrow v Sheffield (7.30).